The journey starts with Ihlara valley and countinues to Selime monastry and Gülşehir. Selime Monastery is an astonishing rock-cut construction and the largest religious structure in the Cappadocia region with a cathedral-sized church cut directly into the volcanic tuff. Inside, original frescoes can be found although some have been damaged by weather. Signs of early civilizations are also present at the ancient site: Hittites, Persians, Romans, Early Christians, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks and Ottomans are some of the many inhabitants to have settled here.